How East Malaysia Can Lead In Political Transformation – Analysis

Amongst the advantages of an East Malaysian-led or influenced government is its potential to reject pressure from racial and religious extremism. Unlike the Peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak have historically been more tolerant and diverse in their religious and secular practices. By promoting inclusivity and pluralism, an East Malaysian bloc can mitigate the influence of extremist ideologies in politics and the civil service. 

Another is the much more multiracial and polyglot communities in the two states and the absence of the traumatic May 13 racial chapter of history which not only transformed Peninsula politics and society.  Its  dark shadow is repeatedly raised by Peninsula politicians to stifle the nation’s progress to a psychologically and mentally liberated society. 

To address the challenge of political transformation effectively, we have compiled a list of  issues and assessed how East Malaysian parties and leadership can create and provide much-needed change to the current political landscape. From social cohesion to economic development, and environmental sustainability to indigenous rights, there are numerous areas where East Malaysia can lead the way in driving positive change.

The success of political transformation in Malaysia also hinges on the active participation of all stakeholders from East and West, especially the younger generation, including think tanks, professional elites, NGOs, media, and businesses— both big and small. It is only through collective action and collaboration that we can overcome the barriers to change and build a progressive, more inclusive and equitable society.  Collaboration among stakeholders from wherever they are – and not just from Putrajaya and the capital cities – is key for leveraging local and regional interests and driving national change. 

Here’s a possible framework for how parties in East Malaysia could collaborate to form a cohesive bloc:

1. Identifying common goals and priorities

Parties in East Malaysia should convene to arrive at shared objectives and priorities that resonate with the people’s interests and aspirations. Common goals could include identifying and effectively addressing the root causes of racial and religious tensions; strengthening the everyday ways to fight against racism and injustice; and taking action against growing systemic racism by reforming structures, policies, and practices that contribute to the wealth gap, socio-economic disparities, and to inequalities in educational access, outcomes, and beyond. 

This includes the clamping down on extremism such as that we are witnessing today with “sockgate” that threatens not just the spirit of multiracialism but also the livelihoods of innocent employees and their families. If unresolved, it constitutes a danger to the retention and influx of local and foreign businesses and investment and may trigger an emergency. 

Once this balance has been restored, only then can we progress, as other countries in the region have, without the distractions from extremists and polarising forces intent on  imposing their narrowly constricted racial and religious values onto the rest of the country.

2. Continuous dialogues among East Malaysian parties and stakeholders

Any ongoing dialogue and collaboration should be strengthened and expanded, allowing participating parties to engage other parties and stakeholders to discuss strategies, coordinate actions, and address differences constructively. The recent merger between the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) and Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) is one good example. The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation’s (UPKO) current good relationship with the Democratic Action Party (DAP) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) are positive indicators for a more inclusive and forceful voice from Borneo at the federal level. These parties must also prioritise building trust and solidarity among themselves, recognising the diversity of perspectives and interests within the bloc to foster a strong sense of unity and purpose. And they can and must reach out to the smaller Peninsula parties.

Collaboration should extend beyond political parties to include civil society organisations, community leaders, and grassroots movements. By engaging with diverse stakeholders, the bloc can strengthen its legitimacy, broaden its support base, and ensure that its agenda reflects the needs of the people.

As a united bloc, parties in East Malaysia can then leverage their collective influence to advocate for policy reforms and legislative initiatives that advance the region’s and national interests. The bloc can also amplify its voice and effectively negotiate with other political stakeholders.

3. Coordinating electoral strategies

Needless to say, political parties exploring opportunities for strategic collaboration to maximise their collective impact should start discussions as early as possible to avoid potential problems and to start groundwork early on a common platform. If candidate selection can be agreed upon sooner than later, voters will be more inclined to decide on the right candidate on election day.  

4. Commitment to save Malaysia

The bloc can withstand any challenges or opposition from detractors by creating a strong force through cementing relationships and institutionalising cooperation. This includes collectively winning as many seats as possible to empower the bloc to effect positive changes in parliament. The window of opportunity is now evident, considering the fragmented government formed after the 15th general elections. The East Malaysian grouping can take heart that their current 25% share of the 222 parliamentary seats will increase substantially after the next redelineation  exercise. But it is not only numbers that count. Is there the quality, pragmatism and most important of all, idealism in the East Malaysian leadership that can make the difference in policy making and implementation that comes after the next GE?  We have seen Pakatan falter, and many now conclude, fail in reformasi. 

East Malaysian parties now possess the advantage of being courted in national issues and policies due to the evolving and fluid political environment. With the current power dynamics, contrasting ideologies and competing interests, East Malaysian parties and politicians now hold the opportunity to drive bold messages and actions of reform and unity which can contribute to a better – and not the same – Malaysia.  Immediate action can begin by East Malaysian activists and political parties taking the lead in organising parades, marches and similar events to bring home to Malaysians the diversity and unity that they are committed to.

The leaders in Sabah and Sarawak may not be perfect, but there are no other options since the Semenanjung leaders appear to have their hands tied and mouths gagged. Indeed, an East Malaysian bloc offers a unique opportunity to break the Peninsula-centric and Malay bureaucracy-dominant mould that has long defined and continues to hold back Malaysian politics and national progress.

Last but not least, collaboration among parties in East Malaysia with the West presents a promising avenue for contributing to a broader transformation that brings the nation back to our original secular roots and identity.

About the authors:

• LIM TECK GHEE is a former senior official with the United Nations and World Bank.
• MURRAY HUNTER is an independent researcher and former professor at the Prince of Songkla University and Universiti Perlis.
• CAROLYN KHOR is a former ministerial press secretary, a former United Nations Volunteer and an independent researcher/writer.